condensate

Condensate is a liquid that forms when a vapor or gas is cooled or subjected to conditions that cause its vapor to become saturated and change phase to liquid. The term is used in several contexts, most commonly for condensate water in vapor systems and for hydrocarbon liquids associated with natural gas.

Condensate water occurs in steam, heating, and refrigeration systems where vapor cools on piping or equipment surfaces. The resulting liquid is collected in condensate traps and drums and usually returned to the boiler or treated to remove dissolved gases and impurities to reduce corrosion and contamination in the plant.

Natural gas condensate is a light hydrocarbon liquid that separates from natural gas during processing and transport. It is typically dominated by C5 to C12 hydrocarbons and has a higher API gravity than many crude oils. Condensate is often used as a refinery feedstock or as a diluent for heavy oil, and it is stored in condensate tanks or transported by pipeline.

Handling and safety: Because condensates can be flammable and may contain contaminants, facilities use proper separation, storage, and gas treatment to minimize emissions, corrosion, and fire risk. In some contexts, condensate can refer more generally to liquids formed by condensation reactions in chemistry, but most commonly denotes condensate formed by the condensation of a vapor.